Obituary for Elizabeth (Beth) Marie Mills

Celebrating the Life of Beth Mills

Elizabeth (Beth) Marie Mills, 83, of Massena, IA, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by her side on November 19, 2024. Beth was born on June 2, 1941, to Terrance John and Kathleen (Casey) Waters of Massena, IA. She attended Massena High School, where she enjoyed playing forward on the girls’ basketball team.

Beth was united in marriage to Lary Mills of Massena, IA, on August 17, 1963.

Beth enjoyed many things and was a devoted woman in all aspects of her life. She was deeply committed to her faith—her church family included some of her closest friends—and to her roles as a wife, mother (and mother-in-law), grandmother, sister, and cherished friend to many.

Beth stayed busy throughout her life. She worked at Massena’s movie theater, attended the races in Corning on Saturday nights with her sister Joan, and embraced the demanding role of a farmer’s wife alongside Lary (this was a full-time job ??).

Beth had many hobbies and special talents, including quilting, sewing, baking (her famous desserts), gardening, collecting antiques, and babysitting. Later in life, she enjoyed watching America’s Funniest Home Videos.

Beth is survived by her sons, Matt (Becky) Mills of Atlantic, IA, and Charlie (Lisa) Mills of Massena, IA; her seven grandchildren, Ted (Tonya) Mills, Tiffani (Michael) Harvey, Tyler Mills, Cody (Mayra) Mills, Matthew Mills, Joshua Mills, and Darien Mills; and her ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lary; her son, Michael F.C. Mills; her parents, Terrance John and Kathleen Waters; her brother, Thomas Michael Waters; her sisters, Kathleen Wood and Jean (Waters) Young; her brother, Tim Waters; and her daughter-in-law, Kristie Mills.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Cumberland, IA
Celebrant: Father Trevor
Musical Selections: “Amazing Grace,” “Be Not Afraid,” “Only in God,” and “The Lights of the City” by Fred Boswell

Honorary Urn Bearers
Ted Mills, Tiffani Harvey, Cody Mills, Joshua Mills, Matthew Mills, and Darien Mills

Lunch will follow the service. A private family burial will take place after lunch.